UN stand on AFSPA applauded
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06 2012:
Cordially welcoming the recommendation of UN Special Rapporteur for scrapping of AFSPA in Manipur, a convention organised today under the aegis of Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN has decided for strong agitation for the repeal of AFSPA from Manipur.
The convention on UN response on Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 held at Manipur Press Club has expressed satisfaction on the concern shown by the UN regarding imposition of AFSPA in Manipur and the North East.
The convention, attended by Retired Session Judge C Upendra, former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, RK Rajendra and Senior Advocate, Khaidem Mani, has an in-depth deliberation on the conflict situation prevailing in Manipur.
UN Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial Summary on Arbitrary Execution, Prof Christof Heyns had met various human rights groups of the North East at Ashoka Hotel, Guwahati on March 28 last.
He was apprised of the hardship and mental torture faced by family members of arbitrary killing victims.
Prof Christof Heyns told a conference in Delhi on March 30 that a recommendation for the repeal of AFSPA in the North East including Manipur would be sent.
Earlier, UN's Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defender, Margaret Sekaggya was also at Guwahati last year.
He was reported to have said that the AFSPA is not a long term solution to the problems of NE.
Convenor of the convention, Dr Debrabatta Roy Laifungbam said that AFSPA is not an Act to be imposed in democratic country like India.
Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani said that the incarceration of anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Sharmila Chanu under Section 309 of IPC is unconventional.
He defended that the intention of Sharmila is not to commit suicide.
The convention also decided to spread the state of affairs worldwide.